CHAPTER XII.

XiGNI said:—I will now describe Harivamsha* (the
family of Hari). The un-bon. (BrahmS) was born from the
lotus navel of Vishnu. From Brahma was born Atri and
from him Soma. From Soma was born Pururava (i). Of
him was born Agni; from him was born Nahusha and from
him Yayati. He begat on Devayani Yadu and 'Turvasu (2).
SarmisthS, the daughter of Vrishaparvan, gave birth (for
him) to Duhyu, Anu and Puru.f In Yadu's family were horn
the Yadavas the foremost of whom was Vasudeva. For
relieving the earth of her burden Hiranyakashipu's sons were
begotten by Vasudeva on Devaki. They were the first six
offspring taken previously into Devaki's womb by Yoga-
nidrS (sleep of devotion) despatched by Vishnu, Bala was
the seventh embryo of Devaki. He was transferred from
her womb to that of Rohini and therefore Hari was called
Rohineya.t Krishna was the issue of the eighth conception.
He appeared in the sky in the middle of the night with four
anas. Hymned by Vasudeva and Devaki he was born as a
boy with two arms. From fear of Kansa, Vasudeva placed
him am Yashod^'s bed* and taking her girl placed her on
Devaki's bed.§ Hearing the cries of the baby Kansa threw
her on a rock (4—8). Saying * the child of thy eigth con-
ception k my death*' although he was prevented, by Devaki*

* It is a most important work, regarded as the sequel of the Maha-
bharata, held in great reverence by the Hindus.

f An account of this family is to be found in Vishnu and Bhagvat
Puraaas.

$ VasodeVa had two wires Devaki and Rohini. Baladeva was
k^osferred hooa the womb of the former to that of the latter and there*
fore lie was caifed Sangkarsana. --

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